What is microdermabrasion?
A diamond-tipped wand gently polishes away dull surface cells while light suction lifts them clear. It will not remove lines or scars, and if it won’t give you what you are hoping for, I’ll say so.
The wand tip is cleaned and disinfected after every client. I cleanse your skin, work across your face in light, even passes, then finish with a soothing moisturiser and SPF.
Who it may suit, and who should wait
It is for adults aged 18 and over, and may suit you if your skin looks dull or feels a little rough. Irritation can sometimes leave darker patches, especially on deeper skin tones. For deeper skin tones and sensitive skin, I use gentler settings.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor or midwife, and tell me, so we can decide together whether to go ahead or wait.
Suitability is always checked in person, so you don’t need to share health details by message. Please wait if:
- you have active breakouts, a cold sore or any infection in the area
- your skin is broken, sunburnt, freshly tanned or flaring
- you have a skin condition, until you have checked with your doctor
- you take, or have recently taken, some medicines that make skin more fragile, more sensitive to light or more likely to bruise
- you have waxed your face, used retinol or had another exfoliating treatment in the past week
What it feels like on the day
Your consultation happens in person at the start of your appointment, not as a separate visit. I look at your skin and ask about your health and skincare. If your skin is sensitive, I patch test at least 48 hours before your first treatment, so if you are new to me, please message me before you book and I’ll arrange it.
Most people find it gentle, like a light, slightly gritty massage with a soft pull from the suction. I check in throughout and stop whenever you ask. The appointment takes about 50 minutes.
How your skin may look afterwards
Skin can look a little pink for an hour or two. Many people notice their skin feels smoother and looks a little brighter, though results vary from person to person.
I suggest keeping make-up off until the next day. Book your first session at least a week before an important event, in case your skin reacts.
How often?
Microdermabrasion can be a one-off, and there is no set course. If you enjoy it, I usually suggest around four weeks between appointments. I’ll never push you to book more than you need.
Aftercare and possible side effects
Pinkness, tightness, dryness and some sensitivity are common. Less often, people get light flaking, a few spots, tiny red dots or light bruising from the suction. Rarer risks include a graze, infection, an allergic reaction, a cold sore flare, changes in skin colour and scarring. If anything doesn’t look right, message me and I’ll advise you, or suggest you see your doctor.
You go home with written aftercare. In short:
- Wear SPF every day and keep out of strong sun.
- Pause retinol and exfoliating acids for three days.
- Skip the gym, saunas and swimming for 24 hours.
- Don’t pick at any flaking.
- Messages are not monitored overnight. If you feel unwell after any treatment, call 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Microdermabrasion or microneedling?
Neither is better for everyone. Microdermabrasion is a gentle surface polish with no needles, and skin can look a little pink for an hour or two. Microneedling uses very fine needles, needs a patch test before your first treatment and is usually planned as a course. After microneedling, expect to look pink, a little like a day in the sun.
I never do both on the same day. If both suit you, we plan the timing together, with at least two weeks between them, so your skin can settle.
Dermaplaning and hydrodermabrasion are gentle too. Dermaplaning uses a sterile, single-use blade and also lifts fine peach fuzz. Hydrodermabrasion is wet and cooling, with serums and suction. Not sure which fits? Tell me what you are noticing, and I’ll suggest one, or none.
Price and booking
You can see the current price on Booksy, or message me and I’ll tell you.
Book on Booksy, or message me first to talk it through. You receive the full address when you book.